Heyman and Rosenthal are both reporting that Joe Blanton has been dealt to the Red Sox. No word yet on who is going to Philly. I'm not sure how this makes sense for Boston since Blanton isn't an upgrade over any of the Red Sox starters. Did the Red Sox just trade for an $8.5M long reliever? Story developing.

Chips are falling. Perhaps this is a precursor to the Sox trading someone (Matsuzaka?) He's the only starter I've seen rumors about...I'd prefer not, because I like Daisuke - regardless of how he's underperformed. I mean, I tracked his freaking plane when they signed him.

Here's a conspiracy theory to contemplate (if the deal goes through). The Phillies call Theo and say "Keep this quiet, but we are on the verge of signing Cliff Lee. The problem is that in order to do so we need to dump Blanton's contract and we can't find a deal for him. If you take Blanton for a bag of batting practice balls you will get the added benefit of not having Lee sign with the Yankees. Whadda ya say?"

Here's a conspiracy theory to contemplate (if the deal goes through). The Phillies call Theo and say "Keep this quiet, but we are on the verge of signing Cliff Lee. The problem is that in order to do so we need to dump Blanton's contract and we can't find a deal for him. If you take Blanton for a bag of batting practice balls you will get the added benefit of not having Lee sign with the Yankees. Whadda ya say?"

I don't think that's too far from the truth. The Phils know that the Red Sox wanted to keep Cliff Lee away from the Yankees. If it takes absorbing a contract that they can handle, then it's a benefit to them. Problem is that they will likely be well over the luxury tax this year if they acquire Blanton especially because they still need another bullpen piece or two.

Here's a conspiracy theory to contemplate (if the deal goes through). The Phillies call Theo and say "Keep this quiet, but we are on the verge of signing Cliff Lee. The problem is that in order to do so we need to dump Blanton's contract and we can't find a deal for him. If you take Blanton for a bag of batting practice balls you will get the added benefit of not having Lee sign with the Yankees. Whadda ya say?"

As far as conspiracy theories go, that one actually makes a little bit of sense. The only problem is that it totally ignores the fact that the Red Sox could have facilitated their World Series opponent. Imagine if the Red Sox actually helped the Phillies get Cliff Lee just to keep him away from the Yankees only to have to face him and Halladay a couple times each in the World Series. I know that Lee was beaten twice by the Giants this past season, but it's still kind of scary.

Problem is that they will likely be well over the luxury tax this year if they acquire Blanton especially because they still need another bullpen piece or two.

According to some estimates I've seen (after figuring in Crawford's deal and arbitration raises) if the Red Sox take on all of Blanton's contract and keep what they already have, they would still be something like $10M-$12M under the tax threshold.

Problem is that they will likely be well over the luxury tax this year if they acquire Blanton especially because they still need another bullpen piece or two.

Blanton has 2 years left: $8.5m in 2011 & $8.5m in 2012Matsuzak has 2 years left: $10m in 2011 & $10m in 2012

Philly saves $ by dumping Blanton & in turn the Sox save $ when they move Dice-K to the left coast (LA or Seattle appear to have interest) and turn Dice-Ks spot in the rotation into a spot in the bullpen.

Blanton has 2 years left: $8.5m in 2011 & $8.5m in 2012Matsuzak has 2 years left: $10m in 2011 & $10m in 2012

Philly saves $ by dumping Blanton & in turn the Sox save $ when they move Dice-K to the left coast (LA or Seattle appear to have interest) and turn Dice-Ks spot in the rotation into a spot in the bullpen.

Seems like an awful lot of trouble to downgrade the rotation just to save $1.5M in AAV.

Seems like an awful lot of trouble to downgrade the rotation just to save $1.5M in AAV.

Not if you buy into the conspiracy theory that Theo & co. were in discussion w/ the Phills about moving Blanton contingent upon them landing Cliff Lee. Also, I think the Dice-K being better than Blanton argument is at least debatable. If the net result is Dice-K + $1.5m for Blanton + a quality bullpen arm, I'm OK, which should allow Theo & Co. to sleep better at night.

Heyman and Rosenthal are both reporting that Joe Blanton has been dealt to the Red Sox. No word yet on who is going to Philly. I'm not sure how this makes sense for Boston since Blanton isn't an upgrade over any of the Red Sox starters. Did the Red Sox just trade for an $8.5M long reliever? Story developing.

I heard this was dead around lunch, actually. Anyone know if this was revived?

when they move Dice-K to the left coast (LA or Seattle appear to have interest)

Why does everyone seem to forget about Dice-K's no trade clause?

Here's a conspiracy theory to contemplate...

I think some of the national media is engaged in this angle. Nice to see that the Red Sox braintrust is in their heads. Wonder what Cashman and the Steinbrenners are considering for a response (besides signing Mark Prior).